Lucky 4.0 stars

Synopsis

John Carroll Lynch's directorial debut turned out to be 91-year-old Harry Dean Stanton's farewell performance. Death looms large, but don’t expect a downer. As sure and steadfast deliberate as the CG tortoise that closes the picture, it’s no surprise that Lynch’s tribute to the veteran Hollywood character actor is a film comprised of first-rate performances. Part of the pleasure is watching Lynch afford each of his players a spotlight moment in which to spin a yarn or two about the last great American character actor. It’s one of Stanton’s most substantive roles, with Lynch allowing ample room to panegyrize by Ed Begley, Jr., David Lynch, James Darren, and Beth Grant. Lynch is joined by fellow neophytes, screenwriters Logan Sparks and Drago Sumonja, both longtime acquaintances of Stanton, who tailored the screenplay in loving tribute to their friend. This is a celebration of a life that audiences will exit feeling fortunate to have beheld.